Manchester United must explore a deal for Crystal Palace left-back Tyrick Mitchell when the transfer window reopens in January.
The Red Devils strengthened their midfield with Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba over the summer, while adding a new goalkeeper in Karl Darlow.
However, the hierarchy did not address the ongoing concern at left-back. There has been an over-reliance on Luke Shaw, which needs to change next year.
The Englishman stayed unscathed in the Premier League throughout last season, but he has had fitness concerns in the early part of the ongoing campaign.
Shaw recently missed three matches on the bounce for the Red Devils, coinciding with United’s defeats to Manchester City (unlucky) and Brighton & Hove Albion.
Left-back Patrick Dorgu made a series of errors before Man City’s fortunate winner. Noussair Mazraoui came in to replace him against Brighton and did not do any better either.
Shaw was back against Fulham over the weekend, but there is a genuine need for another specialist at left-back, considering club graduate Harry Amass is not deemed ready.
In our view, United must swoop for Mitchell, whose contract at Palace expires next summer.
The Englishman has been one of the Premier League’s most consistent players over the past few years, but he has been constantly overlooked when it comes to international selection.
Mitchell started his career as a left-back, but he has operated as a left wing-back in the last few seasons. This has probably contributed to Thomas Tuchel’s decision to snub him recently.
A move to Old Trafford would suit Mitchell, given he could establish himself as the first-choice left-back in the short-term, given Shaw is already 31 and his contract concludes next summer.
Mitchell has started as a left wing-back for Palace in recent years, but the 27-year-old has regularly dropped back as a left-back out of possession, while making overlapping runs in attack.
He has registered an impressive two tackles and five recoveries per league game this campaign, while chipping in with two goals. Mitchell would be a fine acquisition for the Red Devils.
Manchester City signed centre-back Marc Guehi from Palace for just £20 million last winter with six months left on his contract, and United have the chance to do the same with Mitchell in January.
If Mitchell does not renew his contract by the turn of the year, the Eagles are likely to consider cashing in on him rather than lose him on a free transfer at the end of the 2026/27 season.
Stats from Sofascore.com